Trump Says He Will “Never Take The VA Private” Moments After Promising To Privatize Significant Parts Of It

Trump has often lambasted the Veterans Administration and Hillary Clinton’s support of the organization. Last night at the NBC Commander In Chief Forum, Hillary Clinton made the not entirely true statement that Trump would privatize the VA.

“I will not let the VA be privatized,” Clinton said. “I do think there is an agenda out there, supported by my opponent, to do just that. I think that would be very disastrous for our military veterans.”

Does Trump support privatizing the VA? The answer is mixed, though Donald Trump himself dismissed the idea. Trump’s VA reform policy does support allowing veterans to visit and use private hospitals.

“Under a Trump Administration, all veterans eligible for VA health care can bring their veteran’s ID card to any doctor or care facility that accepts Medicare to get the care they need immediately,” his policy promises.

“And by the way, I never said take the VA, the Veterans Administration, private,” Trump told the forum on Tuesday. “I wouldn’t do that. Too much respect for our people. I heard it was said that I said that. I would not do that. But I do believe, I do believe, when you’re waiting in line for six, seven days, you should never be in a position like that. You go out, you see the doctor, you get yourself taken care of.”

What is going to a private doctor except privatizing the VA? Trump’s plan says that a veteran could completely bypass the VA system if they prefer to visit a private doctor. “Mr. Trump will ensure every veteran has the choice to seek care at the VA or at a private service provider of their own choice,” Trump’s plan says.